GFA Fellowship
The GFA fellowship is a competitive two-year program that propels emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds into key positions in government to address our nation’s biggest challenges. Full-time work. Full-time salaries. Your career starts at Govern For America.
Start your journey
Become a Fellow, make an impact, and ensure every community has a voice at the table.
“Young people can really be agents in making sure the world is changing to cater to greater innovation.”
Jeni Dhodary | 2021 Revenue and Operational Efficiency Fellow at the Missouri Department of Revenue
GFA Fellows in Action
Stories
What GFA Fellows Have Learned
What Makes Government Responsive
What Makes a Good Leader
The Importance of Emerging Leaders
Fellowship Program
This is what government should look like:
Over two years, Govern For America fellows receive intensive training, access to our League of Innovators Directory for networking and self-paced mentorship opportunities, and support from an extraordinary community of peers doing inspiring work around the country. Fellows are placed in full-time, paid government jobs where they are needed most.
As a Fellow, you will leverage your skills and experiences to create better outcomes for all communities and share lessons learned with a broader network of fellow leaders.
The goal: achieving more equitable, people-centered policy outcomes.
Our current and past Fellows are a vibrant and diverse group, representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Each Fellow brings unique strengths and insights, contributing to a rich and dynamic community. We invite you to learn more about their exceptional profiles and the distinctive qualities they bring to our program.
Discover what makes our Fellows unique.
Want to hear from our Fellows yourself? We encourage you to register for one of our live, virtual info sessions, where you can connect with current Fellows and GFA staff, ask your questions in real time, and get application tips to help you stand out. You can also visit our application overview page to watch a pre-recorded info session and find videos that walk you through each stage of applying!
You will receive:
Benefits
Extensive investment in your development as a leader, including regular check-ins from the Fellowship Program Staff, peer mentors, and other resources for support.
Quarterly trainings based on our Leadership Competencies, a set of 9 skills proven to create equity-focused, community-oriented leaders.
Collaboration with a cohort of emerging leaders on a wide range of impact priorities.
Access to GFA’s network of over 250 public policy experts and government leaders.
Ongoing alumni engagement including support to advance your public service career, events, volunteer opportunities, and newsletters.
How to Apply
Pathways to the Fellowship
The GFA Fellowship is the same two-year program for all Fellows. There are three ways to apply depending on how you will enter the Fellowship: through GFA’s matching process, by continuing in your current government role, or by sourcing your own eligible role.
One
Matching
Looking to launch your career in government and want support finding the right role? The Matching Pathway connects candidates with eligible government opportunities through GFA's matching process. You'll have the opportunity to explore roles that align with your skills, interests, and career goals while participating in the same two-year Fellowship experience as all GFA Fellows.
Two
Incumbent
Are you a current government employee looking for deeper professional development? The Incumbent Pathway allows you to remain in your current government role while participating in the two-year GFA Fellowship. You'll gain the same professional development, leadership development, and community experience as other Fellows without having to leave the role you're already in.
Already have a new role lined up, or ready to find one on your own? The Applicant-Sourced Pathway is for candidates who want to take the lead in securing their own eligible role before the GFA Fellowship begins. Instead of going through GFA’s matching process, you’ll choose the role that excites you most, as long as it meets the Fellowship’s requirements. You won’t be searching alone, either. Candidates in this pathway get access to an exclusive job board and job search resources through our partner LEE, giving you real support while you find the right fit.
Applicant-
Sourced
Three